Experts from the University of Maryland schools of pharmacy, social work, and medicine can share helpful tips on how to make the holidays a safer, healthier, and happier time.
1. Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas that is produced by the incomplete burning of fuel such as natural gas, gasoline, kerosene, oil, wood, or charcoal. If a person breathes carbon monoxide for a long enough period or at a high enough concentration, it can kill. Therefore, be extra careful when operating a space heater that runs on kerosene, as well as wood or gas-burning stoves and fireplaces. Remember, the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to flu symptoms: headache, dizziness, vomiting, and fatigue. Have chimneys, furnaces, and other gas and oil appliances checked yearly to keep everyone safe.
The Maryland Poison Center, a service of the School of Pharmacy, encourages families across the state to consider poison hazards. Parents and caretakers of children are reminded to call the Maryland Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 if poisoning is suspected.
2. Flu Shots
Every winter it's a fact of life -- the headache, dry cough, body aches, fever, and sore throat that signals the onset of the flu. Each year 10 to 20 percent of the population is infected with the influenza virus, and according to the National Center for Health Statistics, approximately 192 million days will be spent in bed because of the flu.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), you should get the flu vaccine if you or someone you live with falls into one or more of the following categories:* You are 50 years of age or older* You have diabetes* You have immune system disorders* You will be more than three months pregnant during flu season* You have a severe form of anemia* You live in a nursing home or other chronic-care housing facility* You have chronic diseases of the heart, lung, or kidneys (including children with asthma)
But even those who don't fall within these risk groups also benefit from the vaccine.
"I would say that anyone who is interested in protection against the flu should get the vaccine. It's the best way to prevent the flu," says Jim Campbell, MD, a specialist in pediatric infectious diseases at the University of Maryland Center for Vaccine Development and assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
3. Poinsettias
Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias are safe to have around during the holidays. Although no serious danger is likely, eating too many leaves will cause stomach upset and sap from the plant may cause a skin rash that should be cleansed with soap and water. Pets have a lower tolerance to poinsettias and can become ill from eating fewer leaves. Keep this in mind when placing plants in the home.
4. Newly Separated/Divorced? There are ways to ward off the loneliness of being newly separated and/or divorced around the holidays. Geoffrey Greif, PhD, professor of social work and associate dean of the School of Social Work, is a nationally known expert on issues pertaining to divorce, including family relationships. Greif advises newly divorced and/or separated people to find new self-esteem building rituals that help them break out of old patterns. "For instance, if kids are with their other parent, leaving a person alone, that person can volunteer to help the needy, go to church, to the gym, or find an activity that will help him or her focus on others and not the fact that they are alone for what may be the first time."
5. Caring for Your Parents: Respect and Reciprocity
Holidays are emotional for all ages. Adult children who care for parents may feel that a "role reversal" has occurred. Carmen Morano, PhD, associate professor at the School of Social Work, can respond to these and other concerns about dealing with elderly family during the holidays.
6. You, the Ex, and the Ex's New FamilySpending the holidays with family can be tough enough without the added stress of meeting your ex-spouse's new family, boyfriend, girlfriend, or life partner. There are ways to handle it, says Geoffrey Greif, PhD.
7. Single Mothers: Coping with "Superwoman-ism" at the Holidays
Single mothers work, buy gifts for children and extended family, and handle routine and holiday-related chores. There is a syndrome that Melissa B. Littlefield, PhD, LGSW, assistant professor in our School of Social Work, dubs "superwoman-ism," which is prevalent in the African American community. She can talk about some things that single mothers need to address before they deal with the emotional, psychological, physical, and financial stresses of the holidays.
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